The Lift+Love podcast is rooted in faith, family, and the conviction that all are alike unto God and that loving LGBTQ+ people is a calling to be embraced—not feared. Produced by the Lift+Love team, this podcast features topics relevant to Latter-day Saint LGBTQ+ individuals and their parents, relatives, friends, and others who are navigating this space with faith.
Across episodes, hosts from the Lift+Love team and their guests will address a variety of current topics, offer practical support, and share experiences related to LGBTQ+ issues in faith communities. Each conversation is grounded in compassion, honesty, and a commitment to keeping families connected to each other and Jesus Christ.
Learn more and access free support and resources at www.liftandlove.org
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Tuesday Jun 23, 2026
Tuesday Jun 23, 2026
Father's Day Special Episode: "I Don't See the Path - One Dad's Journey From Fix It to Feel It" with Josh Rollins - "Dad Lag", "Translating" Church Messages, and Finding Support for Latter-day Saint Dads of LGBTQ+ Kids - Episode 74 of the Lift+Love Podcast
In this Father's Day episode, episode hosts Allison Dayton and Darice Auston sit down with Josh Rollins — a former Bishop and father of 5 who leads Lift+Love's monthly dads support group. This is one of the most tender conversations the podcast has hosted.
Josh and his wife Jen have been married 28 years and have five kids: Jace, who is trans; Chelsea, who is bisexual; Aiden, who is gay; and two younger kids still at home. What makes Josh's story particularly layered is that he was serving as bishop when his kids began coming out — convinced his family was on track for the celestial kingdom, only to find himself suddenly without a map.
Josh talks through what it meant to watch Aiden — deacons quorum president, Eagle Scout — hit a wall that no amount of translating could get past. You can translate "find your special someone." You can't translate "get married in the temple." That's where the pain began.
He shares Jace's mission experience: leaving as a sister missionary, writing home to say "I have same-sex attraction happening," staying 15 months before Jen felt prompted to bring him home — and only then learning how dark things had really gotten.
The conversation moves into the concept of "dad lag" — why moms tend to adjust sooner — and Darice offers a reframe worth sitting with: women are already practiced at translating a male-centered church into their own experience, so the step toward empathizing with a queer kid's translation struggle is a shorter one. For dads wired to fix things, the journey from "fix it" to "feel it" takes longer.
Josh also shares the moment that finally allowed him to surrender: the quiet answer he received while wrestling with where his family fit in the plan. "They were my kids way before they were yours — and I've got 'em."
He closes with an open-door invitation to the dads group — a confidential, global space he didn't even know existed before Allison asked him to lead it. A place where dads show up running on empty and leave having said the things they can't say to their queer kids, so their kids don't carry the weight of their fathers' struggles.
The dads support group meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM mtn. It's free, confidential, and they meet live on Zoom (so you can join from wherever you live). Sign up at liftandlove.org/support and click on the "dads support group" button to receive the link and email reminders.
Learn more about all the free resources that Lift+Love offers at www.liftandlove.org
Tuesday Jun 16, 2026
Tuesday Jun 16, 2026
We're pleased to reintroduce a classic episode of the Lift+Love podcast, featuring Patrick Mason and J. David Pulsipher. We think you're going to love it!
In 2021, episode hosts Allison Dayton and Jenie Hunter interviewed Patrick Mason and J. David Pulsipher about their book Proclaim Peace - The Restoration's Answer to an Age of Conflict. This book is a spiritual journey by two believing scholars of peace. In a world plagued by violence, Mason and Pulsipher believe, with President Russell M. Nelson, that “peace is possible” and that the “descendants of Abraham . . . are in a pivotal position to emerge as peacemakers” (“Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” Ensign, Nov. 2002). This book is an effort to lift up the Restoration’s distinctive principles that invite us to renounce violence and proclaim Christ’s good news of love and peace to a world that desperately needs it. Proclaim Peace seeks not to promote any particular ideology, but to invite readers, especially the rising generation, to reflect on the interpersonal, ethical, and social dimensions of Christian discipleship. You can find the book Proclaim Peace - The Restoration's Answer to an Age of Conflict on Amazon here
Wednesday Jun 10, 2026
Wednesday Jun 10, 2026
Find the audio version of this episode here and the video version of this episode on our Lift+Love YouTube channel here
Find resources, support meetings, events, and community — including 13 different types of free online support meetings for LGBTQ+ individuals and those who love them — on the Lift+Love website here
Tuesday Jun 02, 2026
Tuesday Jun 02, 2026
Joy in Dissonance: Parenting Adult Children (with Lisa Valentine Clark) — Episode 71
In this episode, episode hots Allison Dayton and Jenie Hunter welcome back Lisa Valentine Clark- comedian, actress, host of The Lisa Show, and one of the original "OG" Lift+Love moms.
Lisa shares how she stays anchored amid dissonance: a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, love for her family, and a commitment to truth — even when truth means sitting with uncertainty. She talks about what it looks like to practice her religion largely on her own after losing her husband, finding unexpected joy in the temple and in serving as a Primary chorister.
On parenting her 5 adult children, Lisa reflects with openness and grace: she wishes she had held less tightly to a prescribed "covenant path," and describes what showing up for her adult children actually looks like — reciprocal respect, genuine relationship without agenda, prayer, naming their spiritual gifts, and loving boldly even when it feels awkward or invites judgment from others.
This episode is for every parent who wants to love their LGBTQ child well and still hold onto their personal faith — and may relate to Lisa’s experience with letting go of the script.
In this episode:
- Why Lisa roots herself in fundamentals when faith feels complicated
- Learning to make "uncomfortable" part of discipleship
- Joy vs. happiness — and why the distinction matters
- Solo worship after loss, and where she finds reassurance
- What she wishes she'd done differently as a younger parent
- How to see and name the spiritual gifts in your LGBTQ children
- Loving boldly in the face of ward judgment
- What "support" actually looks like in practice
About Lisa Valentine Clark: Lisa Valentine Clark is a comedian, actor, and host of The Lisa Show, a nationally-syndicated, award-winning family and lifestyle podcast (a BYU Radio production) available on all streaming platforms. She has been a host for BYU-TV's Random Acts, co-creator of the award-winning web series Pretty Darn Funny, and appeared in the films Once I Was a Beehive (2015) and Once I Was Engaged (2021). Lisa is the mother of five children, three of whom are LGBTQ. She spoke at the inaugural Gather Conference in 2023 and served as a mainstage host at Gather Conference 2024.
Learn more about Lisa and The Lisa Show at https://www.byuradio.org/the-lisa-show
Find the audio version of this episode here and the video version of this episode on our Lift+Love YouTube channel here
Find resources, support meetings, events, and community — including 13 different types of free online support meetings for LGBTQ+ individuals and those who love them — on the Lift+Love website here
Tuesday May 26, 2026
Tuesday May 26, 2026
"Why People Are Leaving the Church—and What We Can Learn" (with Jeff Strong) Episode 70
Allison Dayton and Darice Auston interview Jeff Strong (former senior executive at P&G and Johnson & Johnson and former leader of a service-oriented LDS mission with his wife Sarah) about his book "Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn From Them", based on surveys of over 15,000 Church members. Strong emphasizes that stepping away is deeply personal and often involves long, sincere wrestling, then outlines four primary reasons: lifestyle (6%), church history/truth claims (42%), social positions and moral conflict (33%), and church experience (18%). He argues a “fifth wave”—church culture—can relieve or worsen these tensions, using a “soil” metaphor balancing protection/stability with nourishment, and notes unhealthy correction/containment increases the likelihood of leaving. He shares stories highlighting LGBTQ+ pain and belonging, estimates about 40% of formerly active members have stepped away over 25 years, and describes the need to openly discuss these conflicts.
Learn more about Jeff Strong: https://www.tornbyjeffstrong.com/about
Find his book "Torn - Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn From Them" here
Find the video version of this episode of the Lift+Love podcast here
Find resources, support meetings, events, and community (including free 13 different types of online support meetings for LGBTQ+ and those who love them) on the Lift+Love website here
Tuesday May 12, 2026
Tuesday May 12, 2026
Parenting Trans Kids - We have a Lot of Work to Do (with Ingrid Smith) Lift+Love Podcast Episode #69
Episode Hosts Allison Dayton and Darice Auston interview Toronto-based Ingrid Smith, parent of a 28-year-old trans daughter (and a coach for parents of trans and non-binary kids), whose no-nonsense, compassionate approach has built a devoted following on Instagram @thewayforward4parents
In this episode:
- Why parents need their own space to process their emotions — separate from their kids
- What to do (and avoid) when your child first comes out
- How to navigate family photos, old memories, and your own grief
- The inner resistance many parents feel and why it doesn't make you a bad parent
- Gender affirming care: what the data actually says
- The unique complications for parents in faith communities
- How to differentiate between God and institution (when they feel like the same thing)
00:00 Meet Ingrid Smith
02:14 Ingrid’s Story and Mission
04:56 Why Parents Need Support
08:04 What Not to Say
09:27 Repair and Rebuild Trust
11:36 Photos Memories and Pronouns
14:37 Finding a Win Win
18:56 Coaching Scope and Boundaries
20:51 Common Parent Concerns
21:26 Parental Resistance
21:47 Silence and Denial
22:50 HRT Fears and Confusion
23:39 Choice Versus Identity
26:20 Risk Data and Detransition
27:47 Faith and Gender History
30:16 Church Community Backlash
33:14 Repairing Faith Wounds
37:05 Differentiating God and Institution
Connect with Ingrid:
- Follow Ingrid on Instagram @thewayforward4parents
- The Way Forward Coaching Website
- Get Ingrid's newsletter for parents of LGBTQ+ kids
- Access free resources for parents of LGBTQ+ kids
- Blog | The Way Forward
- Watch Ingrid on Real Talk with Dr. Lulu
Find the video version of this episode of the Lift+Love podcast here
Find the transcript of this episode of the Lift+Love podcast here
Find resources, support meetings, events, and community (including free online support meetings for parents of trans/nonbinary kids) on the Lift+Love website here
Tuesday May 05, 2026
Tuesday May 05, 2026
Episode 68- Navigating LGBTQ Family and Faith (with Liz Simmons)
In this Mom Series episode of the Lift+Love podcast, episode hosts Allison Dayton and Jenie Hunter interview Liz Simmons, a lifelong church member in California and mother of three adult children, whose son came out as bisexual nearly four years ago and is now married to a man. Liz describes choosing not to lose her son or her faith, learning to claim personal spiritual authority, and navigating grief and triggers at church—especially language that makes her feel her family is “aced out.” She shares both the love and support she has experienced in her ward and painful moments when others say she is “getting ahead of the prophet” for hoping for change, including an incident involving her father, a temple sealer. Liz emphasizes assuming good intent, seeking support, reading The Sin of Certainty, and trusting God, while her husband’s steady faith has anchored her through ongoing “good sadness.”
00:00 Meet Liz Simmons
00:44 Her Son Comes Out
01:23 Faith And Dissonance
03:44 Church Triggers
04:19 Ahead Of Prophet
07:42 Making Space For Hope
10:16 Good Intent And Empathy
11:27 Grief In The Pew
13:04 Good Sadness
14:24 A Leader's Counsel
16:21 Superstar Grandparents
19:59 Letting Go Of Control
21:04 Rebuilding Trust
23:43 Finding Peace Together
25:03 Spiritual Authority Grows
26:27 Compassion For Pushback
27:55 Normalize Nonlinear Healing
28:03 Inclusion Versus Doctrine
29:06 Advice To New Parents
29:45 Books And Safe Support
31:01 Marriage Coping Styles
32:27 Grace With Son In Law
33:35 Enjoy What Is
34:51 A Community With No Handbook
Find the video version of this episode here
Find the transcript of this episode here
Find resources, support meetings, events, and community on the Lift+Love website here
Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
A Conversation with David Archuleta - Lift+Love Podcast Episode 67
Content Note: This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation and mental health struggles. If you or someone you love is in crisis, please don't wait - reach out to the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling (or texting) 9-8-8
Find the video version of this episode on our Youtube channel here
Find resources, support meetings, events, and community for LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saints and their parents, relatives, friends, allies, and leaders on the Lift+Love website: www.liftandlove.org
More about David Archuleta:
EP Features Music Inspired by His New York Times Bestselling Memoir DEVOUT - Losing My Faith To Find Myself – here
Listen to Sample of “Old & Young” HERE
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 18, 2026 - DEVOUT, is an instant New York Times Bestseller while also dominating the top spot on Amazon’s Pop Artist Biographies and Popular Music Books charts.
Good Morning America - Here
Rolling Stone - Here
People magazine - Here
Entertainment Tonight - Here
Queerty - Here
Spin Magazine - Here
Sherri Shepherd Show - Here
USA Today: Here
"At just seventeen, David Archuleta rose to national fame as the runner-up on American Idol season seven, captivating millions with his angelic voice. Behind the scenes, however, he was struggling with a truth he feared would destroy everything: he was attracted to men—and a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In DEVOUT, David takes you inside his deeply personal journey as a closeted Mormon teen turned international pop star, torn between faith, fame, and identity. From dealing with the pressures of being on a hit television show to a domineering father who controlled every aspect of his career—even being banned from the show’s set—David reveals the emotional abuse and inner turmoil that he says plagued his childhood.
This searing memoir reflects on David’s ventures with American Idol, a tour with Demi Lovato, and a two-year sabbatical as a missionary in South America, charting his path through heartbreak, estrangement, three engagements, thoughts of suicide, and finally, his courageous decision to leave the Mormon Church in order to live authentically as a queer man. Featuring never-before-seen photos, DEVOUT is a must-read for fans of pop culture, American Idol, and anyone deconstructing their religious upbringing, or who’s ever wrestled with who they are versus who they’re told to be."
“A lot of people who saw teenage David on TV thought they knew me. In DEVOUT, I share that there was a lot more going on behind the scenes than many realized—with me, with my family, and with the show. I had to recondition almost everything I learned or was taught to believe, and that process can be challenging. This is a story about finding courage within yourself during your absolute darkest moment to persevere and become who you truly are.”
In addition, David will also release a 3-song EP here of new music written specifically about themes in the book. With DEVOUT, David delivers one of his most intimate and vocally powerful projects to date. The DEVOUT EP serves as a musical companion to his memoir, capturing the emotional in-between of deconstruction, healing, and self-acceptance. Stripped back and raw, the songs place David’s voice front and center as he takes us on the journey of accepting “you don't have to be perfect and that you are human.”
The focus track, “Old and Young,” captures the “state of limbo you feel you're in after going through a big life change.” Through rich, dynamic vocals, David explores the challenge of starting over- feeling older yet newly inexperienced.
DEVOUT is a deeply personal chapter in David’s artistry, and ultimately showcases a voice that can bring both honesty and hope.
David shares more on the Devout EP - "Since this book is looking back at the prequel of my life as it is for me today, I wanted to go back to the feel of how I approached music as a young musician trying to figure out himself, and how younger David approached his life or felt like he had to approach his life with music. The songs are a bit more raw, more vocally focused, and really about telling the story to complement the story I tell in my memoir. The focus track from the EP is “Old and Young” HERE – “Old and Young” is a song about the state of limbo you feel you're in after going through a big life change. We don't see things the same way as we once did. You've gotten so much older but yet are starting a completely new chapter of life so you feel like a baby in terms of experience and knowing what to do. In the process you realize you don't have to be perfect and that you are human.”
On Season 7 of American Idol, David Archuleta made over 30 million television viewers swoon with his angelic voice, ultimately winning runner-up on the show at the age of seventeen. His journey has included turning out multiple platinum-selling hits, achieving global acclaim as a live performer, becoming a New York Times Bestselling author and emerging as an undeniable fixture on the pop-culture scene. Since his first single “Crush,” he has released eight studio albums, twenty-four singles, and twenty-one music videos. Hit singles “Crème Brulée” and “Hell Together” have marked a striking evolution and new chapter for David as an artist and creative entrepreneur while continuing to expand his audience globally. Having grown up as a poster child for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, David struggled to be his true self and didn’t come out as queer until 2021. He now advocates for members of the LGBTQ+ community. He lives in Los Angeles, California.
#gallerybooks
#simonandschuster
#devoutdavidarchuleta
Follow David Here:
TikTok 1.3M Followers + 22M Likes
Instagram 812K Followers
Facebook 3.4M Followers
YouTube 902k Subscribers
Spotify 2.7M monthly listeners
Twitter 1.1M Followers
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026